Powder charge at 25 yards

[Dphar]

Probably my last question until after i go to the range next week.

How many grains of powder should I be using in my Thompson center arms .50cal flint lock.

My .50cal

I'm only shooting at 25 yards max and I'd like to conserve powder. Any idea?

There will be a load that shoots best in the rifle. It is usually in the 1500-1900 fps range.
This is the load I tend to shoot from any given rifle.

Dan

 

[erzengel]

Shooting at the range and using no more powder than necessary. :hmm:

That sounds like shooting on paper targets.

German rule says (target shooting):

2,5 gramm powder / 1 cm barrel diameter = 98 grain / inch should be maximum for rifle. Makes 49 grain for a 50 caliber as max load.

Would not be surprised if you can find a target load between 35 and 50 grain.

The rule above is, well judge yourself,
Gibbs rifle in .451, 400 grain Maxiball with 50 grain Swiss FFF as recommended target load.

Proof load at the Ballistic Labarotory according to the proof marks on my .45 Tryon after repair are

247 grain (16 gramm) bullet with 93 grain (6 gramm) black powder.